When Amy Atlas announced on her blog in the fall of 2010 that she’d be writing a book I immediately thought “she has to come to San Francisco for her tour.” Nevermind the fact that the she hadn’t even begun to write yet, I just knew Williams-Sonoma would be the perfect fit for hosting a book tour and of course, I wanted to meet her in person 🙂
In just a week, a new pastry shop will be opening in San Francisco. Craftsman and Wolves is the work of pastry chef William Werner, known for the delicious treats from his former company, Tell Tale Preserve which I discovered at various pop-ups in the city last year. At the Ferry Building farmer’s market there were baked goods like the homemade pop tart and the famous rebel within, a savory muffin with a poached egg inside. I regret not having tried the latter. The storefront did not come to fruition, so now less than a year later fans like myself are eager and ready for version 2.0 of Werner’s pastries.
What a great way to start out 2012, having one of the best meal’s ever at Michael Voltaggio’s ink. in Los Angeles. It is absolutely deserving of GQ’s vote for best new restaurant of 2011. The dishes visually look serious, sophisticated and plated just so but as I made my way through each one, I couldn’t help but feel giddy like a kid. There were clever surprises waiting in each course and it was such fun to experience them. I am envious of the Top Chef judges who spent an entire season eating Michael’s creations. He is a genius in the kitchen.
Through the ink. doors about to have an incredible meal.
Along with my macaron tasting, I was able to fit in some cookies without having a sugar overload. My latest find, the cookies at Levain Bakery, were so good, I had to make a second trip for more so everyone at home could experience them. Okay and because I wanted another for myself. Here are some snapshots of Levain and my other favorites in the city.
It’s hard to miss this Upper West Side bakery as there is always a crowd spilling out onto the sidewalk. To get to the shop, you walk down a set of stairs as if entering a basement and are welcomed with the sweet smell of cookies. If it weren’t such tight quarters inside, only a few bar seats by a window, I would stay in there just to inhale more of the aroma.
